The earth is divided into four main layers - the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. The mantle's movement caused by heat variations from the core causes the tectonic plates to shift, which can result in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These natural hazards shape the landscape and sometimes threaten lives and property. Plate tectonics are driven by convection currents in the mantle and the movement and regeneration of ocean floors.

1. EARTH’S MECHANISMS
OF PLATE TECTONICS

2. The structure of the earth is divided into four major
components: the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and
the inner core. Each layer has a unique chemical composition,
physical state, and can impact life on Earth's surface.
Movement in the mantle caused by variations in heat from the
core, cause the plates to shift, which can cause earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions. These natural hazards then change our
landscape, and in some cases, threaten lives and property.
Learn more about how the earth is constructed with these
classroom resources.
Earth's Interior
Earth is divided into three main layers. The dense, hot inner
core (yellow), the molten outer core (orange), the mantle (red),
and the thin crust (brown), which supports all life in the known
universe.

3. The mechanism behind Plate Tectonics. The main features of plate tectonics are: The ocean
floors are continually moving, spreading from the center, sinking at the edges, and being
regenerated. Convection currents beneath the plates move the crustal plates in different
directions.

4. What mechanisms cause the movement of Earth's tectonic plates?
The heat from radioactive processes within the planet's interior causes the plates to move,
sometimes toward and sometimes away from each other. This movement is called plate motion,
or tectonic shift.